Cosmopolis (2012)

Trader's Film Library #24 · Markets and trading in fiction. A parable about pride that won't accept a loss.

Original title: Cosmopolis · Type: film · Created by: David Cronenberg · Usefulness for traders: ★★☆☆☆

What it's about

28-year-old billionaire Eric Packer (Robert Pattinson) rides a limousine across Manhattan to get a haircut while his bet against the Chinese currency racks up huge losses. Based on the novel by Don DeLillo.

What it has to do with markets

The film is more a philosophical parable about capitalism than a picture of the market. But it captures well the pride of a trader who refuses to accept that the market isn't behaving according to his model.

Lessons for traders

• clinging to a position against the market (belief perseverance, Atlas of biases #22)
• confidence in a model is no substitute for risk management
• believing you're infallible is a straight road to disaster

What to watch out for

A difficult, static film. For those interested in form, not market knowledge.

Discussion

The discussion takes place in Hetman Capital Club (in Polish). Join the discussion in the Club →

Navigation

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The description outlines the plot without revealing the ending where possible (true stories have a known outcome). Educational content, not investment advice.